Beloved TV sports reporter and her husband found dead in their home.

Alabama is in shock following the tragic news that former WBRC sports reporter Christina Chambers and her husband were discovered deceased in their Hoover residence on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Authorities indicate that the circumstances surrounding the deaths seem to point to a murder-suicide, although the investigation is still in progress.

In a miraculous turn, the couple’s 3-year-old child was found unharmed.

Gunshot wounds.

As reported by the Hoover Police Department, 38-year-old Christina Chambers and her 41-year-old spouse, Johnny Rimes Jr., were found unresponsive by a family member at approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday, which led to a 911 call.

Emergency responders declared both adults dead due to gunshot wounds. While the investigation into the complete details is ongoing, police have stated that there is no current threat to the public. Officials suspect that Rimes shot Chambers before taking his own life, as reported by AL.com.

Chambers, a passionate runner and former UAB track athlete, had completed her regular morning run and got back home around 6 a.m. or shortly thereafter.

Police arrived at the 700 block of Highland Manor Court, just off Sulphur Springs Road, shortly after 9 a.m.

The tragic scene was found by Rimes’ parents, who grew worried when Chambers, Rimes, and their young son did not arrive for a Christmas program at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Hoover, where the family also attended church.

Impact beyond the newsroom.

Christina Chambers’ influence reached well beyond the newsroom. She started her career by covering local sports at WAKA in Montgomery and WLTZ NBC38 in Columbus, Georgia, before moving to Comcast Sports Southeast in Atlanta, where she showcased Auburn University and high school athletics.

She also worked as a freelancer for Raycom Media, covering state championship football and basketball games.

In 2015, she made her way back to her hometown to join WBRC in Birmingham, where she became a well-known figure on Sideline, the station’s Friday night high school football show.

Six years later, she redirected her efforts towards teaching, leading the broadcast journalism program at Thompson High School in Alabaster. Her students flourished under her mentorship, achieving top honors and accolades. Chambers herself was recognized as Advisor of the Year in 2024 by the Alabama Scholastic Press Association.

Even after stepping back from full-time reporting, she returned as a freelancer during the 2025 football season and continued to be involved in corporate communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

Sophie Martin, the Director of Corporate Communications at the company, fondly recalled her as a “beloved colleague whose kindness and affectionate nature impacted everyone she collaborated with,” adding, “Christina was a beacon of joy and motivation for our team and the company – her absence will be deeply felt.”

Simone Eli, a sports anchor for PIX 11 in New York City who has previously worked at various TV stations in Alabama, expressed her heartfelt tribute to Chambers on Facebook:

“Often, in the wake of tragedy, people reflect on the significant impact someone had. However, the influence Christina Chambers had on countless individuals in Alabama is beyond words.

“Her passion for others, her devotion to her son, her family, her enthusiasm for running, broadcasting, Cullman, and UAB — was truly evident. She represented the essence of an extraordinary person and friend. She has made a difference in so many lives, including mine.

“For over ten years, we shared experiences in the sideline and press box… from national championships to high school football state titles. Yet, what we cherished most was exchanging stories about our journeys as working TV moms simultaneously.

A dedicated mother.

Chambers’ existence was significantly shaped by her role as a caring mother.

She frequently posted moments with her young son on social media, playfully referring to their “Mommy/Son 5K” runs and celebrating milestones together. On Mother’s Day 2023, she expressed, “Being a mom is the best blessing in life,” a feeling that resonates even more profoundly in the wake of this tragedy.

Chambers and her husband got married in 2021, as reported by AL.com.

WBRC conveyed their sorrow on social media, urging the community to keep Christina’s family in their thoughts. U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt also extended her condolences, requesting prayers for the couple’s loved ones.

Friends, colleagues, and fans have all voiced their shock, grieving for a woman who infused passion, energy, and kindness into everything she undertook.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our community,” WBRC stated. “Christina’s commitment, talent, and empathy left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this incredibly challenging time.”

From covering exciting Friday night football games to mentoring the next generation of journalists, Christina Chambers led a life filled with service, passion, and care — and now, her legacy will be treasured by all who knew her. Rest in peace, Christina!